About the Author

 A lifetime in aviation would be an accurate description of the involvement Scott Stoops has had in both the R/C modeling world and full-scale aviation.  He grew up in an aviation family, with his father being an airline pilot.  From an early age, he exhibited an interest in all things aviation.  With the help of his father, he built his first R/C model aircraft at the age of 10.  R/C modeling remained a major activity for Scott for the balance of his adolescence, limited only by his educational pursuits and his developing interest in full-scale aviation.

 At the age of 16, he soloed a full-scale aircraft and progressed quickly through his FAA licenses, becoming a commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor at the age of 18.  He specialized in tailwheel, instrument, and aerobatic instruction.  While working full time as a flight instructor, glider tow-pilot, and cargo pilot, Scott completed his college degree.  Upon completing college at 21 years of age, with over 2800 hours of flying experience, he was hired by United Airlines as a Boeing 737 First Officer.  Since that time he has flown as a First Officer on the Boeing 737-200, 737-300, Airbus A320, Boeing 767/757, and as a Captain on the Boeing 737-300.

 While learning to fly and working as an instructor, Scott’s interest in aerobatic flight grew.  He learned and later taught aerobatics in a variety of aircraft.  He has also competed in a Russian Yak-55 in full scale International Aerobatic Club contests progressing through the ranks towards the Advanced category.  Scott currently flies the Russian Sukhoi Su-26mx in the Advanced category.  He currently has over 10,000 hours of full scale flying including over 1500 hours of tailwheel and aerobatic experience.

 At home, Scott and his wife Michelle have three lovely children Andrew, Alex, and Abigail.  It is his interest in passing along the joy of model aviation to his family and friends that has sparked and renewed his involvement in model aviation in recent years.  He currently enjoys building, testing, and reviewing models for a major magazine and model manufacturer.  His current R/C interests include high performance aerobatic and 3-D electric R/C aircraft.